New Chief Executive for Paces

Dr Spencer Pitfield OBE, currently a senior teacher and leader at Sheffield’s Birkdale School, will take up the permanent role on 1 September 2018.

The 48-year old has been a Trustee of Paces since 2010 and has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the charity since July last year. He was appointed following a competitive recruitment process by the charity’s Trustees.

He has today outlined his vision for the future of the organisation. In a letter to staff and teachers, he said:

“It is a huge honour to be named as the Chief Executive Officer of Paces Sheffield.

“I have been involved in Paces for the past eight years… through those years, I have seen the challenges we face as an organisation, but also the potential to make a difference to so many people’s lives.

“I hope in those roles you have seen my passion and drive to always fight for the best for Paces – to support everyone involved with this great organisation. Our amazing children and their inspirational families, our determined adults and our dedicated teachers and staff.”

Dr Pitfield, who has three children and lives in Sheffield, is a professional musician who has held a number of influential roles across the community, including as a Magistrate and Governor of Sheffield NHS Foundation Trust.

He has previously stood as a Parliamentary Candidate for the Conservative Party and been involved in the voluntary party speaking up for party members for a number of years.

“Spencer, with his wide educational experience, allied with strong management expertise and a clear vision for the future, had dedicated himself to consolidate and develop Paces Sheffield with his colleagues at Paces.

“Paces was established 21 years ago by parents who, dissatisfied with the support offer for their children with Cerebral Palsy, searched across Europe until they came across The Peto Institute, a centre for the development of Conductive Education. From there they raised funding and established Paces in High Green, Sheffield. 21 years later, Paces has grown to the Outstanding OFSTED School and charity it is today.

“We look forward to seeing Paces consolidating its best practice and strengths, honouring its history, yet moving forward positively to its next phase of development and expansion under Spencer’s leadership.”